22:59Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent for New York City mayor, converses with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Oct. 30, 2025.Heidi Gutman/ABC
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an independent hopeful for the office of mayor of New York City, characterized his rival and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani as "very divisive" and claimed he doesn’t comprehend the "New York way," during an extensive conversation with "ABC News Live Prime" host Linsey Davis just days ahead of Election Day.
During the sit-down, Davis questioned Cuomo concerning remarks he had made during a recent appearance on Fox News, in which he pointed out Mamdani held dual citizenship with the U.S. and Uganda, and declared that Mamdani lacks an understanding of "the New York culture, the New York values."
Cuomo responded by stating: "You can be a New Yorker and still not grasp New Yorkers, correct? He has been quite divisive throughout this campaign. He has voiced opinions that are notably inflammatory. And that isn’t the New York way. Considering the rich diversity we possess [in New York], it’s crucial for a leader to exercise caution, ensuring not to exacerbate division."
ABC News has attempted to contact Mamdani's campaign to get their reaction regarding Cuomo's assertion.
Mamdani, who has emphasized that he’s garnering backing from a broad spectrum of New Yorkers with diverse backgrounds, informed Davis this past Monday that he is "aiming to serve every individual who considers this city their home."
Andrew Cuomo, independent candidate for New York City mayor, speaks with Linsey Davis of ABC News, Oct. 30, 2025.Heidi Gutman/ABC
Catch Linsey Davis' interview with New York City mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo, streaming on ABC News Live Prime between 8:00-8:30 p.m. ET on All Access with Linsey Davis and on Disney+ and Hulu.
Cuomo raised concerns about some prior declarations made by Mamdani, notably labeling the New York City Police Department as "racist" and "wicked." Mamdani has subsequently issued an apology for these remarks and asserted they are not indicative of his current perspectives.
Later in the ABC interview, while reflecting on his tenure as governor and how he would act on behalf of New Yorkers, Cuomo stated he’s vying for the mayoral seat because he believes "the city is facing difficulties. I believe it’s in a perilous state; I believe cities throughout America are facing challenges."
Referring to his time as the secretary of Housing and Urban Development during President Bill Clinton’s administration, the former governor mentioned that he’s witnessing what others are terming "the urban death spiral. Thus, I’m concerned about New York City, and I’m confident in my ability to make government efficient and enact real change."
Cuomo has recently been accused by Mamdani of Islamophobia after he appeared to agree with a radio host that Mamdani would celebrate "another 9/11." Cuomo later mentioned he perceived the host’s comments as a jest and found the remark offensive, yet contended that Mamdani was stirring division and unjustly alleging Islamophobia.
Davis then inquired what he would convey to Muslim New Yorkers who felt offended by the remark and categorized his reaction to the radio host as Islamophobic.
"The Muslim community didn’t voice that sentiment. I recently received endorsements from key leaders within the Muslim community," Cuomo countered.
"What I was conveying is, he is lacking experience, correct … Being mayor is an intricate role. It entails managing 300,000 personnel, dealing with a $115 billion budget, and encountering a scenario where, on any given day, you might have to confront an unforeseen crisis," Cuomo explained.
Andrew Cuomo, independent candidate for New York City mayor, speaks with Linsey Davis of ABC News, Oct. 30, 2025.Heidi Gutman/ABC
Cuomo, highlighting the potential for crises like terror incidents, pandemics, and natural catastrophes, further added, "that individual must be prepared. On-the-job training is not an option. Thus, yes, [Mamdani] is alarmingly inexperienced for the role of mayor of New York, in my opinion."
During the initial mayoral general election debate, Mamdani responded to Cuomo’s critiques about his experience, asserting, "What I lack in experience, I compensate for with integrity, and what you lack in integrity, you could never make up for with experience."
Cuomo is attempting a return to politics following his resignation as governor in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has refuted.
At the second mayoral debate earlier in the month, Mamdani made reference to the women who have accused Cuomo of harassment.
Davis, alluding to that moment, inquired of Cuomo whether all the women who brought forth the accusations were being untruthful.
Andrew Cuomo, independent candidate for New York City mayor, speaks with Linsey Davis of ABC News, Oct. 30, 2025.Heidi Gutman/ABC
"Well, the facts surrounding that situation are established, aren’t they? A report was issued. I contended it was politically motivated. I maintained it was conducted for political purposes and lacked factual grounding or validity. That was my position," Cuomo responded during his interview with Davis, adding that the cases against him were dropped and were "political".
He elaborated later during the ABC interview, "Untruthful is a strong term. But was there any harassment? No, which is why I was seeking my day in court," he stated. "I was hoping people would hear the details… I never really had the chance for individuals to actually hear the specifics, but they’re aware that the cases were dismissed, and there was ultimately no basis."
Andrew Cuomo, independent candidate for New York City mayor, speaks with Linsey Davis of ABC News, Oct. 30, 2025.Heidi Gutman/ABC
Cuomo is campaigning as an independent under the "Fight and Deliver" party line after being defeated by Mamdani in the Democratic primary this past June. Nevertheless, he has emphasized his continuing affiliation with the Democratic Party — which, as he conveyed to Davis, is currently grappling with a division between its left-leaning and moderate factions.
"They are advocating for a more radical agenda, and I’m skeptical that this radical agenda will be effective," Cuomo expressed. "I’m certain it won’t benefit New York City, and I suspect it’s generally unsuitable for the Democratic Party as a whole."
"I consider this election pivotal in defining the trajectory of New York City. I also think it will shape the future of the Democratic Party," Cuomo remarked concerning Tuesday’s mayoral election.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
